Police advise motorists heading to Coromandel to expect delays following fatal

Waikato Police are advising motorists heading towards the Coromandel and particularly Whangamata to expect delays following a fatal collision between a motorcycle and a utility this afternoon.

Sergeant Dave Litton of the Waihi Police said emergency services were called to the scene about 5km northeast of Whiritoa on SH25 shortly before 2pm.

"The crash is currently being investigated by the Serious Crash Unit to determine what caused the incident however it appears a motorcyclist had been riding north on SH25 towards Whangamata when he has lost control on a moderate left hand bend.

"Crossing the centreline the motorcyclist has collided with an oncoming Toyota Surf utility and suffered fatal injuries. The two occupants of the Surf were uninjured but understandably quite shaken up."

Mr Litton said the 48-year-old Katikati motorcyclist had been riding with a friend and the pair had set off on their motorbikes for Whangamata from Athenree.

"At this stage we anticipate SH25 being closed till sometime between 5.30 and 6pm and would advise motorists heading to Whangamata from the Waikato or Bay of Plenty to factor in delays to their travel.

"We would recommend motorists use SH25A between Kopu and Hikuai (the Kopu-Hikuai Rd) and rejoin SH25 from there."